Share via

Copilot Web App: ?q= parameter no longer populates chat input (regression)

Laurence Jeloudev 20 Reputation points
2025-11-07T05:28:10.1233333+00:00

Copilot Web App: ?q= parameter no longer populates chat input (regression)

Description

Previously, the Copilot web app accepted queries passed via the URL parameter ?q= and auto‑populated them into the chat box. This allowed browsers (e.g., Floorp, Firefox derivatives) to set Copilot as a search engine with https://copilot.microsoft.com/?q=%s, so that typing into the browser’s search bar flowed directly into Copilot chat.

As of late 2025, this behavior has changed:

?q= still loads Copilot, but only displays the query at the top of the page.

The chat box remains empty, requiring an extra click to start a conversation.

This breaks the previous integration with browser search engines and reduces usability.

Steps to Reproduce

Set Copilot as a search engine in a browser using https://copilot.microsoft.com/?q=%s.

Type a query in the browser’s search bar.

Observe that Copilot opens, but the query does not appear in the chat box.

Expected Behavior

Queries passed via ?q= (or a documented alternative parameter) should auto‑populate the Copilot chat input, restoring the seamless search‑to‑chat flow.

Actual Behavior

The query is shown only as a heading/result, not injected into chat.

Impact

Breaks existing search engine integrations in browsers like Floorp/Firefox.

Adds friction (extra click) for users who relied on direct search‑to‑chat flow.

Reduces accessibility and efficiency of Copilot as a default search engine.

Request

Please either:

  • Restore support for ?q= to populate the chat box, or

Document a new parameter/API that allows browsers to pass queries directly into Copilot chat.

This would re‑enable Copilot as a true search engine option and preserve the streamlined UX many users relied on.

Copilot Web App: ?q= parameter no longer populates chat input (regression)

Any feedback would be appreciated, why this feature no longer is operational, and if there is an alternative that has a similar experience. I would like to phase out my search engine and replace it with copilot.

Microsoft Copilot | Microsoft 365 Copilot | Development

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Thomas Lunsford 5 Reputation points
    2025-11-19T14:50:52.56+00:00

    Here's why the copilot team should care: I need an instant search of ai in the browser. I can do that with chatgpt via browser address bar search shortcut, as well as via other search engines that are not Microsoft-owned. I cannot do that with copilot, and the copilot WindowsKey+C shortcut is too slow and the app it opens is not as usable as the browser - for example, I cannot do a basic text search in that app as I can in the browser.

    So, I'll keep using others until this option works again.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Laurence Jeloudev 20 Reputation points
    2025-11-07T05:33:53.84+00:00

    Thank you for the automated summary. I’d appreciate if a member of the Copilot product team or a moderator could confirm whether this ?q= parameter regression is intentional or if there are plans to restore chat‑style input. This issue impacts browser search engine integrations and adds friction for users who relied on direct search‑to‑chat flow. A human response would help clarify next steps.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-07T05:28:28.52+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The issue you are experiencing with the ?q= parameter in the Copilot web app appears to be a regression that has affected the functionality of auto-populating the chat input. Previously, this parameter allowed users to seamlessly integrate their browser's search functionality with Copilot, but it seems that recent updates have altered this behavior, resulting in the query being displayed only at the top of the page rather than in the chat box.

    As for a solution, it would be beneficial to provide feedback to Microsoft regarding this change, as they may consider restoring this functionality or documenting an alternative parameter that could achieve the same effect. Unfortunately, I do not have specific information on why this feature is no longer operational or if there is an alternative available at this time.

    If you are looking for a streamlined experience similar to what you had before, keeping an eye on updates from Microsoft regarding Copilot may be helpful, as they may address this issue in future releases.

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.